Brown Eyes & Sacramento Skies

[Intro – gentle acoustic guitar strum, soft piano arpeggio] (Instrumental Solo) [Verse 1 – warm acoustic guitar, subtle shaker] 1981, I was 25, scared of the road ahead Sac State halls, a ring on my hand, a baby’s breath unsaid Then you walked in, sun on your hair, laugh like a summer breeze Brown eyes that pulled me under, made the whole world freeze [Pre-Chorus – building piano, soft string swells] I was tangled in the life I’d chosen, you were the light I couldn’t resist Every secret meeting felt like a gift, a moment I couldn’t dismiss [Chorus 1 – full acoustic band, warm harmonies] Cheryl, I still see your smile in the Sacramento rain Wondering if you ever think of me, if life treated you kind I chose the “right” path, turned my back on the fire we made But I still carry your memory, every single day [Interlude – acoustic guitar solo, soft piano undercurrent] (Instrumental Solo) [Verse 2 – acoustic guitar, faint harmonica] 12 years passed, three kids in the house, a love that faded slow Divorce papers signed, a quiet house, where the silence used to grow I found love again, a woman I’d known since 72, steady and true But some nights I lie awake, thinking of you [Pre-Chorus 2 – piano leads, string swells intensify] She’s my present, my calm, my every tomorrow But you’re the ghost that lingers, the song I can’t follow [Chorus 2 – full band, richer harmonies, subtle drum beat] Cheryl, I still hear your laugh in the quiet of the night Hoping you found your happiness, a love that feels right I did what I thought I had to, but I still wonder “what if?” You’re the one that got away, the dream I can’t quit [Bridge – sparse piano, soft vocals] I never called, never wrote, let the distance seal the door I hope you’re safe, I hope you’re loved, I hope you want for more I love my wife, I love my life, but you’re a part of my soul A secret I’ll keep, a story untold [Final Chorus – full band with string section, emotional peak] Cheryl, I still see your brown eyes when the sun goes down Wishing I could go back, turn the hands of time around I chose the path that felt like duty, but I lost a piece of me I’ll always love you, wherever you may be [Outro – fading acoustic guitar, soft piano note] Sacramento skies, 1981 I’ll never forget the day you won